Council bosses are urging residents to ensure they use a licenced waste carrier to dispose of their rubbish in a bid to cut fly-tipping in North Lincolnshire.

North Lincolnshire Council say the problem costs tax-payers in the region £300,000 a year in clean-up costs and the authority has revealed last year alone, 2,460 piles of rubbish were picked up by officers from the authority. More than two thirds of this was in Scunthorpe.

Failing to ensure waste is disposed of properly can lead to a fine or a criminal record.

Now, in the run-up to Christmas, the council is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the perils of giving rubbish to an unlicensed operator to dispose of and help residents ensure they stay on the right side of the law.

Fly-tipping in North Lincolnshire costs council tax-payers £300,000 per year

Council leader Rob Waltham said: "It costs thousands of pounds each year for the council to clean up illegally fly-tipped rubbish – a cost that ultimately falls to you the taxpayer.

"Many residents will be looking for ways to get rid of their excess waste, particularly in the run up to Christmas and over the festive period and will look on social media sites such as Facebook.

Read More

"While the majority of waste carriers operate within the law, some do not and this is where residents could fall foul of the law by asking people to dispose of their rubbish when they are not licenced to do so. The rubbish is then being dumped illegally.

"To ensure you stay on the right side of the law, always check that the person you give your waste to is licenced with the Environment Agency and if they won’t or can’t prove this, turn them away.

Leader of North Lincolnshire Council Rob Waltham (centre) is joined by council staff Terry Dunderdale and Dave Hostad as they tackle fly-tipping in the Scunthorpe town centre area (Image: David Haber)

"It might seem a cheap way to get rid of your rubbish, but it is costly in the long run – not just in clean-up costs, but to you too. In the eyes of the law, it is your rubbish and if the rubbish is traced back to you, you could receive an unlimited fine and a criminal record.

Read More

"Instead, use the council’s free services to dispose of your rubbish such as our household recycling centres or bulky item collection service."

To help residents ensure they dispose of their waste properly, the council has produced an advice leaflet which is available at local link offices, libraries and other public-facing buildings. Details are also available at www.northlincs,gov.uk/dutyofcare